The 2005 Aix is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Syrah, and 2% Mourvedre aged in 60% new oak. Purple-colored, it exhibits fragrant aromas of cedar, smoke, spice box (pepper and vanilla), and an amalgam of blue and black fruits. On the palate it is forward and juicy with enough structure to evolve for 1-2 years. Drink it now through 2015. Doyenne is the sister label of DeLille Cellars, with the Rhone varieties all bottled under the Doyenne name. They are reviewed separately www.delillecellars.com

The 2005 Aix is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Syrah, and 2% Mourvedre aged in 60% new oak. Purple-colored, it exhibits fragrant aromas of cedar, smoke, spice box (pepper and vanilla), and an amalgam of blue and black fruits. On the palate it is forward and juicy with enough structure to evolve for 1-2 years. Drink it now through 2015.Doyenne is the sister label of DeLille Cellars, with the Rhone varieties all bottled under the Doyenne name. They are reviewed separatelywww.delillecellars.com

The 2005 Doyenne Aix is 50% Cabernet, 48% Syrah and 2% Mourvedre. The increased percentage of Syrah and the extra dollop of Mourvedre ramps this up to a stiffer, more substantial wine than the 2004. It’s a Cabernet-driven complement to the DeLille D2, replete with muscle and nerve. Dark and chewy, the wine has picked up a little Rhone-like savage-ness from the Mourvedre, especially in the aroma. The tannins are chewy and a bit leafy, and need some airing out, but there’s plenty of meaty flavor here.——P.G.(5/1/2008)—— 89